In a recent OU Kosher staff meeting, Rabbi Rueven Nathanson, West Coast Rabbinic Field Representative (RFR) shared a startling data point. Rabbi Nathanson, who supervises kosher grape juice facilities in California, Oregon, and Washington, told Orthodox Union (OU) staff that this year\u2019s regional grape juice yields will decrease by 25%. It\u2019s not completely clear what immediate and residual effects this will have on the food industry, but it will certainly affect kosher products that use grape juice, including wines. At the least, grape juice producers will have to reduce their allocations to their customers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rabbinic Coordinator (RC) Rabbi Kalman Scheiner recently received a call from an OU Kosher-certified company producing a kosher-for-Passover product that was set to go into production in mid-December 2021. The caller had just been informed by a supplier that they wouldn\u2019t be able to ship a special oil they need for this product. So Rabbi Scheiner spoke with a colleague, Rabbi Singer, who knew of another company making the oil. However, this oil supplier was also waiting for a critical ingredient, which they were hopeful they\u2019d receive in time to provide the alternate ingredient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rabbi Aharon Brun-Kestler, Rabbinic Coordinator (RC), summed up the current challenges facing the industry: \u201cI\u2019m seeing a general problem and theme, which nearly all companies are actively trying to manage. What\u2019s happening has significant implications for kosher products in general.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Orthodox Union (OU) and what does it have to do with supply chain issues?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Orthodox](\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Oulogob.svg\/1200px-Oulogob.svg.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHere are a few things Rabbi Brun-Kestler observed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OU Kosher is the world\u2019s largest kosher certification agency, certifying more than 1.2 million products in 104 countries. Since 1923, they have been recognized as the most trusted kosher symbol among kosher consumers around the world. Beyond offering certification services for brands, it offers resources to certified customers that include sourcing ingredients, marketing and promotional support, and other business services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Production scheduling changes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTwo possible scenarios: The manufacturer doesn\u2019t receive a shipment because it couldn\u2019t be produced or couldn\u2019t be shipped. Or the shipment arrives all at once with other previously delayed orders. Both of these situations will force changes in scheduling that affect processes all the way down the line. In plants with kosher and non-kosher products, that can have significant repercussions. Issues like equipment cleaning and product storage can complicate production runs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Distributors send what they have<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn order to get something out the door to satisfy customers, distributors will send whatever they have available, regardless of suitability. In some cases an ingredient or product will be a suitable replacement but sometimes it won\u2019t meet requirements. A recent example was a company that needed butter. The distributor had a large, well-known name-brand alternative but the plant it was being produced in didn\u2019t meet OU Kosher requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The purchasing department will buy whatever it can find<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA company facing a crisis needs to quickly find a replacement so it finds something new, which again can have a domino effect for the production facility and kosher products. With a network of 850 field representatives and 70 rabbinic coordinators (account managers) that spans 105 countries, 3,000 facilities, and more than 1.2 million products, OU Kosher is able to see what\u2019s happening at both a macro and micro level. Kosher representatives on the ground and at OU\u2019s New York headquarters see manufacturing issues unfold in real-time and are uniquely positioned to help OU customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to prepare for and solve supply chain disruptions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe most important way to prepare for production changes is to find alternative suppliers and add them to the Schedule A, a document with an approved supplier list for ingredients used in a kosher product or one that shares equipment with a kosher product. Many companies generally have backup suppliers but if not, we can help them connect with an OU Kosher representative to help find alternatives and add them to the Schedule A. If a company needs a quick response, they can send the name of the product or its specifications, and the OU will provide an immediate answer. Our database includes millions of products and ingredients, so the likelihood of finding something that meets requirements is very likely. And remember that our data includes co-packers and other contract services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Clean](\"https:\/\/cdn-a.william-reed.com\/var\/wrbm_gb_food_pharma\/storage\/images\/7\/1\/0\/2\/5982017-1-eng-GB\/Clean-label-fuelling-Kosher-certified-bakery-and-snacks-growth.jpg\")
OU Kosher Certification<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cThe job of OU Kosher\u2019s employees in all departments is to support its client companies in areas that reach beyond kosher supervision. Customer service is a high priority for us. We take pride in this and want our companies to know that they can rely on us\u201d<\/p>OU Kosher\u2019s COO, Rabbi Moshe Elefant.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nWest Coast RFR Rabbi Nathanson recounted an experience emblematic of what he and his OU Kosher colleagues regularly encounter that reflects how our kosher-certified companies and consumers benefit through the OU\u2019s collective knowledge and connections. He was visiting a plant when the Research & Development (R&D) representative called him over to talk about something he needed help with. \u201cI gave him some leads,\u201d says Rabbi Nathanson, \u201cand then he said, \u2018Wait a minute. I have a few other projects you can probably help me with.\u2019\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the two chatted, the owner of the company walked by and greeted him. Fifteen minutes later the owner came by again. Finding them still in conversation he said, \u201cHow much is this conversation costing me?\u201d The R&D rep replied, \u201cNot only is it not costing us anything, Rabbi Nathanson\u2019s just saved you about $20,000,\u201d to which the owner replied, \u201cCan I get you guys a cup of coffee or something?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHere are a few things Rabbi Brun-Kestler observed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OU Kosher is the world\u2019s largest kosher certification agency, certifying more than 1.2 million products in 104 countries. Since 1923, they have been recognized as the most trusted kosher symbol among kosher consumers around the world. Beyond offering certification services for brands, it offers resources to certified customers that include sourcing ingredients, marketing and promotional support, and other business services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Production scheduling changes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTwo possible scenarios: The manufacturer doesn\u2019t receive a shipment because it couldn\u2019t be produced or couldn\u2019t be shipped. Or the shipment arrives all at once with other previously delayed orders. Both of these situations will force changes in scheduling that affect processes all the way down the line. In plants with kosher and non-kosher products, that can have significant repercussions. Issues like equipment cleaning and product storage can complicate production runs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Distributors send what they have<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn order to get something out the door to satisfy customers, distributors will send whatever they have available, regardless of suitability. In some cases an ingredient or product will be a suitable replacement but sometimes it won\u2019t meet requirements. A recent example was a company that needed butter. The distributor had a large, well-known name-brand alternative but the plant it was being produced in didn\u2019t meet OU Kosher requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The purchasing department will buy whatever it can find<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA company facing a crisis needs to quickly find a replacement so it finds something new, which again can have a domino effect for the production facility and kosher products. With a network of 850 field representatives and 70 rabbinic coordinators (account managers) that spans 105 countries, 3,000 facilities, and more than 1.2 million products, OU Kosher is able to see what\u2019s happening at both a macro and micro level. Kosher representatives on the ground and at OU\u2019s New York headquarters see manufacturing issues unfold in real-time and are uniquely positioned to help OU customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to prepare for and solve supply chain disruptions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe most important way to prepare for production changes is to find alternative suppliers and add them to the Schedule A, a document with an approved supplier list for ingredients used in a kosher product or one that shares equipment with a kosher product. Many companies generally have backup suppliers but if not, we can help them connect with an OU Kosher representative to help find alternatives and add them to the Schedule A. If a company needs a quick response, they can send the name of the product or its specifications, and the OU will provide an immediate answer. Our database includes millions of products and ingredients, so the likelihood of finding something that meets requirements is very likely. And remember that our data includes co-packers and other contract services. <\/p>\n\n\n\nOU Kosher Certification<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cThe job of OU Kosher\u2019s employees in all departments is to support its client companies in areas that reach beyond kosher supervision. Customer service is a high priority for us. We take pride in this and want our companies to know that they can rely on us\u201d<\/p>OU Kosher\u2019s COO, Rabbi Moshe Elefant.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nWest Coast RFR Rabbi Nathanson recounted an experience emblematic of what he and his OU Kosher colleagues regularly encounter that reflects how our kosher-certified companies and consumers benefit through the OU\u2019s collective knowledge and connections. He was visiting a plant when the Research & Development (R&D) representative called him over to talk about something he needed help with. \u201cI gave him some leads,\u201d says Rabbi Nathanson, \u201cand then he said, \u2018Wait a minute. I have a few other projects you can probably help me with.\u2019\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the two chatted, the owner of the company walked by and greeted him. Fifteen minutes later the owner came by again. Finding them still in conversation he said, \u201cHow much is this conversation costing me?\u201d The R&D rep replied, \u201cNot only is it not costing us anything, Rabbi Nathanson\u2019s just saved you about $20,000,\u201d to which the owner replied, \u201cCan I get you guys a cup of coffee or something?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to get something out the door to satisfy customers, distributors will send whatever they have available, regardless of suitability. In some cases an ingredient or product will be a suitable replacement but sometimes it won\u2019t meet requirements. A recent example was a company that needed butter. The distributor had a large, well-known name-brand alternative but the plant it was being produced in didn\u2019t meet OU Kosher requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The purchasing department will buy whatever it can find<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA company facing a crisis needs to quickly find a replacement so it finds something new, which again can have a domino effect for the production facility and kosher products. With a network of 850 field representatives and 70 rabbinic coordinators (account managers) that spans 105 countries, 3,000 facilities, and more than 1.2 million products, OU Kosher is able to see what\u2019s happening at both a macro and micro level. Kosher representatives on the ground and at OU\u2019s New York headquarters see manufacturing issues unfold in real-time and are uniquely positioned to help OU customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to prepare for and solve supply chain disruptions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe most important way to prepare for production changes is to find alternative suppliers and add them to the Schedule A, a document with an approved supplier list for ingredients used in a kosher product or one that shares equipment with a kosher product. Many companies generally have backup suppliers but if not, we can help them connect with an OU Kosher representative to help find alternatives and add them to the Schedule A. If a company needs a quick response, they can send the name of the product or its specifications, and the OU will provide an immediate answer. Our database includes millions of products and ingredients, so the likelihood of finding something that meets requirements is very likely. And remember that our data includes co-packers and other contract services. <\/p>\n\n\n\nOU Kosher Certification<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cThe job of OU Kosher\u2019s employees in all departments is to support its client companies in areas that reach beyond kosher supervision. Customer service is a high priority for us. We take pride in this and want our companies to know that they can rely on us\u201d<\/p>OU Kosher\u2019s COO, Rabbi Moshe Elefant.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nWest Coast RFR Rabbi Nathanson recounted an experience emblematic of what he and his OU Kosher colleagues regularly encounter that reflects how our kosher-certified companies and consumers benefit through the OU\u2019s collective knowledge and connections. He was visiting a plant when the Research & Development (R&D) representative called him over to talk about something he needed help with. \u201cI gave him some leads,\u201d says Rabbi Nathanson, \u201cand then he said, \u2018Wait a minute. I have a few other projects you can probably help me with.\u2019\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the two chatted, the owner of the company walked by and greeted him. Fifteen minutes later the owner came by again. Finding them still in conversation he said, \u201cHow much is this conversation costing me?\u201d The R&D rep replied, \u201cNot only is it not costing us anything, Rabbi Nathanson\u2019s just saved you about $20,000,\u201d to which the owner replied, \u201cCan I get you guys a cup of coffee or something?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most important way to prepare for production changes is to find alternative suppliers and add them to the Schedule A, a document with an approved supplier list for ingredients used in a kosher product or one that shares equipment with a kosher product. Many companies generally have backup suppliers but if not, we can help them connect with an OU Kosher representative to help find alternatives and add them to the Schedule A. If a company needs a quick response, they can send the name of the product or its specifications, and the OU will provide an immediate answer. Our database includes millions of products and ingredients, so the likelihood of finding something that meets requirements is very likely. And remember that our data includes co-packers and other contract services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe job of OU Kosher\u2019s employees in all departments is to support its client companies in areas that reach beyond kosher supervision. Customer service is a high priority for us. We take pride in this and want our companies to know that they can rely on us\u201d<\/p>OU Kosher\u2019s COO, Rabbi Moshe Elefant.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n West Coast RFR Rabbi Nathanson recounted an experience emblematic of what he and his OU Kosher colleagues regularly encounter that reflects how our kosher-certified companies and consumers benefit through the OU\u2019s collective knowledge and connections. He was visiting a plant when the Research & Development (R&D) representative called him over to talk about something he needed help with. \u201cI gave him some leads,\u201d says Rabbi Nathanson, \u201cand then he said, \u2018Wait a minute. I have a few other projects you can probably help me with.\u2019\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n While the two chatted, the owner of the company walked by and greeted him. Fifteen minutes later the owner came by again. Finding them still in conversation he said, \u201cHow much is this conversation costing me?\u201d The R&D rep replied, \u201cNot only is it not costing us anything, Rabbi Nathanson\u2019s just saved you about $20,000,\u201d to which the owner replied, \u201cCan I get you guys a cup of coffee or something?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Kosher](\"https:\/\/rangeme-blog-images.imgix.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/banner1-1600x400-1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1024&h=1024&fit=crop\")
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